Restoration Methods for Water Damage

Water is ubiquitous, and that's not only because it covers three-fourths of the earth's area. Even on land, water is everywhere because we need it for so many things. Hence, it is not unexpected that sometimes things can go a bit out of control, resulting in water damage to our houses.



Water can be extremely destructive even if not present in force, and has been known to cause structural and integral damage to a home and its components like wood, metal, cardboard and organic fibers. If these are not attended to, they will rot, deteriorate and eventually be irreparably damaged.



Whether due to a natural disaster like a flood or a manmade one like punctured pipes, water damage is a reality that threatens every householder. Hence, besides being prepared by way of insurance, one needs to know about the restoration methods for water damage.



Water damage restoration is defined as "the process of restoring a property back to pre-loss condition after sustaining any level of water damage." In case you didn't know it, there are two large certifying bodies, the IICRC and the RIA, that recommend standards of restoration for water damage. Most professional restoration companies follow the IICRC S500 which provides a specific set of practical standards for the different restoration procedures.



According to the S500, there are three categories of water that can cause water damage, broadly differentiated on the basis of the level of contamination present. Also, water damage itself is classified into four categories depending on moisture evaporation rate. Although every situation calls for a different approach, there are certain commonalities between them.



Some of the methods used in the restoration procedure are:



1. Extracting as much water as possible. A well-extracted floor and walls will hasten the drying process. This is done by using wet-dry vacuum units or by gas powered submersible pumps. The extracted water is properly disposed of through a sink or other drainage vent.



2. Use of psychometric tools. Tools like hygrometers are used to measure the moisture content of the different building materials (flooring, drywall and wallboard) and to measure the daily progress the drying process is making.



3. The use of air movers. Air moving across a materials surface will cause that material to dry. This is part of the secondary drying process that is done after the initial water extraction. Besides fans, dehumidifiers that remove humidity from affected units are also used.



4. Mold removal. Mold, if not eradicated immediately, can spread and become difficult to remove. This, in turn, can cause a whole host of health hazards, from mild allergic reactions to lung disease and even death.



5. Document restoration. In spite of the spread of electronic media, many people keep several documents in their original paper form; consequently, they are susceptible to water damage. Nowadays, it is possible to restore damaged documents with specialized equipment.



There are specialized and accredited water damage restoration companies in every state. While some rudimentary restoration can be done by the householder, extensive damage calls for the services of professional.



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